Pikachu themed 3DS XL coming to North America, $199.99 to be released on March 24

Update: A press release announcing the Pikachu Edition Nintendo 3DS XL was put out early this morning confirming the March 24 release date. While the handheld will be released the same dat of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity it will not be bundled with it. As such, the Pikachu3DS will cost the standard 3DS XL price of $199.99 and come with a 4GB SD memory card.

However, should purchasers of the Pikachu3DS decide to purchase either Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity or Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon there are rewards to be had. Just register the 3DS and the game through Club Nintendo and receive one of the following games for free: Super Mario 3D Land, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone!, Star Fox 64 3D or Freakyforms Deluxe: Your Creations, Alive!

Quick news update for all you Pokemon fans who have been waiting for a better 3DS showing before investing in the handheld console. Nintendo's official Pokemon Twitter account just posted a teaser image, asking fans to look forward to tomorrow. The only thing is, the teaser image is a bit too obvious. It appears Nintendo will be releasing a Pikachu themed 3DS XL in North America.

Official details, including release date and price, can likely be assumed to be announced tomorrow. Leaked images from retail outlets are confirming that shipments of the 3DS XL have already been delivered to some locations, however. When considered along with teasers in Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity commercials, perhaps we're looking at a March 24 release date. Yes, that soon!

Considering the Fire Emblem: Awakening bundle with a normal sized DS was released for $200, we expect this Pikachu-themed3DS XL to cost around $250, but maybe as much as $300.